This ancient name has two possible origins, the first of which is from an Anglo-Saxon, Old English nickname for someone with grey hair or a grey beard, derived from the Old English pre 7th Century word "graeg", grey. The bearers of the name in Scotland and Ireland were originally the Gaelic "riabhach", meaning "brindled or grey", translated to "Grey" or "Gray". The second origin of the modern name is from the place called "Graye" in Calvados, Normandy, so called from the Old Gallo-Roman personal name "Gratus" meaning "Welcome" or "Pleasing", with the suffix "acum" meaning settlement or village.
A notable bearer of the name was Lady Jane Grey (1537 - 1554), who reigned as queen of England from July 9th to the 19th, 1553, before being imprisoned and executed the following year. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Anschitill Grai, which was dated 1086, in the "Domesday Book", Oxfordshire, during the reign of King William 1, known as "The Conqueror", 1066 - 1087. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
The history of the surname grey is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of grey.
It is common for surnames like grey to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones.
The historical journey of the surname grey can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of grey.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname grey, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all greys who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname grey.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of grey, and at the same time, of surnames in general.